In over my head? Dyna for FIRST motorcycle.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
In over my head? Dyna for FIRST motorcycle.
I always hear about people starting out with a 600cc motorcycle (or less).
Am I getting in way over my head if I buy a 1570cc dynaglide for my very first motorcycle?
I will probably have a better feel for this after I take my Basic Riding Course this weekend. Just looking for opinions. I am not really worried about being tempted to hotrod the bike and do dangerous stuff. The way I see it, as long as I keep it under 70 mph, a more powerful bike shouldn't be any more dangerous. Am I right?
Am I getting in way over my head if I buy a 1570cc dynaglide for my very first motorcycle?
I will probably have a better feel for this after I take my Basic Riding Course this weekend. Just looking for opinions. I am not really worried about being tempted to hotrod the bike and do dangerous stuff. The way I see it, as long as I keep it under 70 mph, a more powerful bike shouldn't be any more dangerous. Am I right?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 868
Likes: 4
From: Warwick, RI
Been gone over numerous times.
Many start on a HD and do fine
Many start on a smaller bike and do fine, upgrading later
Many start on a HD and don't do well
Many start on a smaller bike and don't do well
The nice thing about starting on something smaller ... if a n00b mistake causes you to go down, you banged up a cheaper bike. Not a nice new HD.
I had a Shadow 750. Paid $3200.00 bucks for it. 4 months later I sold it for $3250.00. So it cost me nothing to own and got my feet wet.
Many start on a HD and do fine
Many start on a smaller bike and do fine, upgrading later
Many start on a HD and don't do well
Many start on a smaller bike and don't do well
The nice thing about starting on something smaller ... if a n00b mistake causes you to go down, you banged up a cheaper bike. Not a nice new HD.
I had a Shadow 750. Paid $3200.00 bucks for it. 4 months later I sold it for $3250.00. So it cost me nothing to own and got my feet wet.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
Those 600cc bikes you mention are a lot of times faster than the Dyna. But they're also much lighter. The issue for you will be weight.
Your Basic Rider Course will have you on a small 250cc bike. Your slow speed turns will be manageable.
When you throw your leg over a full size Harley, you will be intimidated taking it off the side-stand. It will not feel like it felt in class. It will also not handle like it handled in class.
Forget engine size and "power". Your enemy will be getting used to gracefully maneuvering a heavy bike. So in that sense yes this may not be the best choice.
All that said I'm glad I went with the Wide Glide for my first bike. It is possible to go right in to a bigger bike but you just have to respect what you learned. Just take that knowledge/experience you gained with the smaller bike in class and practice those same skills on the larger bike. In time you'll be fine. You need to know who you are and if you normally naturally take to things, or if you're a clutz... I fall somewhere in the middle and lucked out
Your Basic Rider Course will have you on a small 250cc bike. Your slow speed turns will be manageable.
When you throw your leg over a full size Harley, you will be intimidated taking it off the side-stand. It will not feel like it felt in class. It will also not handle like it handled in class.
Forget engine size and "power". Your enemy will be getting used to gracefully maneuvering a heavy bike. So in that sense yes this may not be the best choice.
All that said I'm glad I went with the Wide Glide for my first bike. It is possible to go right in to a bigger bike but you just have to respect what you learned. Just take that knowledge/experience you gained with the smaller bike in class and practice those same skills on the larger bike. In time you'll be fine. You need to know who you are and if you normally naturally take to things, or if you're a clutz... I fall somewhere in the middle and lucked out
Last edited by trip20; Sep 15, 2009 at 02:16 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
You will be fine.
I too am a new rider. Passed the MSF course on a 250 Honda about 3 months ago. I bought my Softail Deluxe about a week later and it is my first ever motorcycle. I was nervous the first time I test rode the bike. After the first intitial test ride I find the bike pretty easy and very comfortable to ride. I think you will be just fine with your bike as each time you ride it will be easier and easier. Have fun and ride safely.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma City, OK
I started back riding on a Nightster….. it was a bit intimidating, but I luckily had no mishaps. I personally wouldn’t start out on a big twin, but that’s just me. It’s a pretty big expensive bike to drop while learning to ride.
Good luck with whatever you do.
Good luck with whatever you do.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
Likes: 6,217
From: In your head rent free
Rent any one you are thinking about for a day or two.
That way your not into it for thousands just to find out you made a wrong decision.
Heck, I've even done multiple bike days. Get one in the morning, bring it back at lunch and trade it for another, bring that one back at closing for a third.
Get the extra insurance and if something happens you're only into it for a small amount.
Some dealers will comp you the rental cost if you decide to buy a bike after renting one.
That way your not into it for thousands just to find out you made a wrong decision.
Heck, I've even done multiple bike days. Get one in the morning, bring it back at lunch and trade it for another, bring that one back at closing for a third.
Get the extra insurance and if something happens you're only into it for a small amount.
Some dealers will comp you the rental cost if you decide to buy a bike after renting one.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 868
Likes: 4
From: Warwick, RI
Rent any one you are thinking about for a day or two.
That way your not into it for thousands just to find out you made a wrong decision.
Heck, I've even done multiple bike days. Get one in the morning, bring it back at lunch and trade it for another, bring that one back at closing for a third.
Get the extra insurance and if something happens you're only into it for a small amount.
Some dealers will comp you the rental cost if you decide to buy a bike after renting one.
That way your not into it for thousands just to find out you made a wrong decision.
Heck, I've even done multiple bike days. Get one in the morning, bring it back at lunch and trade it for another, bring that one back at closing for a third.
Get the extra insurance and if something happens you're only into it for a small amount.
Some dealers will comp you the rental cost if you decide to buy a bike after renting one.